New Volvo XC60 ready to roll

The first examples of the new Volvo XC60 rolled off the production line in Torslanda, Sweden, at the end of April. Almost a million previous-generation XC60s were produced and it made up 30% of Volvo’s total sales, so you’d forgive the brand for playing it safe with this new version.

And safety is once again the primary concern. Volvo says the new XC60 is one of the safest cars ever made, with a host of new technology to protect occupants, including systems that aim to prevent head-on collisions. The company’s optional Pilot Assist software has also been improved, offering “advanced” semi-autonomous driving ability up to 130kph.

Prices will start from £37,205 for the entry-level D4 Momentum specification, but you’ll have to find £50,000 if you’re after the 407bhp T8 petrol plug-in hybrid.

Volvo’s now-signature ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED daytime running lights have also been introduced on the new-generation XC60, in line with the current S90, V90 and XC90. The exterior design is otherwise an evolution of the familiar design seen on the previous model.

The XC60 competes against the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes GLC and the new Range Rover Velar.

We've driven the new Volvo XC60 – read our review here.

2017 Volvo XC60 styling

Volvo has stayed true to the XC60’s design heritage, but from every angle it now looks more modern and precise. The haunches over its rear wheelarches are sharper and bolder than before, while the upright grille is even more assertive. Its slim headlights are more advanced, too, with the handle of ‘Thor’s Hammer’ now bursting out of the unit altogether and flowing into the grille.

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It’s a similar story at the back, where the characteristic tall rear lights of the previous XC60 now extend across the tailgate, flanking the central Volvo badge. The rear exhausts have also been neatly integrated into the bumper.

Fans of the XC90’s interior will be in for a pleasant surprise, because not only does the same portrait-orientated Sensus touchscreen take centre stage, the overall level of material quality and upholstery seems on a par with its bigger brother. A digital TFT instrument panel is also fitted, along with an optional Bowers & Wilkins stereo.

Trim levels, equipment and options

Trim levels are called Momentum, R-Design and Inscription, with all three also available as a ‘Pro’ model, giving six trims in all. Even the Momentum trim is very well specified, with keyless entry, cruise control, a powered tailgate, 18-inch alloy wheels, an eight-inch driver’s display, Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system and a huge array of safety equipment as standard. Momentum Pro adds a heated steering wheel and windscreen, adaptive headlights, LED front foglights and a smartphone app to connect with the car.

R-Design brings the full 12.3-inch digital instrument display, along with a sportier styling treatment for the interior and exterior, while sports suspension should sharpen up the handling. R-Design Pro brings extra features like adaptive air suspension, 21-inch alloy wheels, ambient lighting and the features the Pro pack adds to the Momentum.

The top Inscription and Inscription Pro grades are the most luxurious thanks to highlights including Nappa leather upholstery, gloss-black dashboard trim and chrome exterior embellishments.

Options will include a Xenium pack (adding a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera and self-parking for £2,000) and a winter pack (with headlight washers and a heated steering wheel, windscreen and wiper blades for £500). Upgrading to adaptive air suspension will cost £1,500 and a retractable tow bar is £995.

Safety technology

According to Volvo, the XC60 is “fully loaded with new technology”. That includes ‘Steer Assist’, which essentially means the XC60 can not only stop automatically (using autonomous emergency braking), but also steer automatically to help avoid obstacles. Using this technology and ‘Oncoming Lane Mitigation’, the XC60 will attempt to mitigate head-on collisions as well as avoiding lane-changing collisions.

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The XC60 will also get ‘Pilot Assist’ as part of a £1,500 Intellisafe Pro pack, which also includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warnings, rear cross-traffic alert and rear collision mitigation. Pilot Assist is Volvo’s semi-autonomous driving assistance system, which can steer, accelerate and brake for you on roads with suitable markings at up to 80mph.

2017 Volvo XC60 engines

The latest XC60 will be able to get from 0-62mph in as little as 5.3 seconds – or at least it will when there’s a T8 Twin Engine badge on the back, because the plug-in hybrid has a total output of 401bhp.

In the UK, the 2.0-litre diesel D4 (with 188bhp) and D5 PowerPulse (with 232bhp) are likely to be the most popular choices thanks to lower starting prices and affordable running costs. They can return up to 54.3 and 51.4mpg respectively, while emitting between 136 and 144g/km of CO2. This means a Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rating of between 29% and 30%. Road tax will be £140 a year for models costing under £40,000, but top versions will exceed this and cost £450 to tax for the first five years.

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Volvo XC60 price and on-sale date

With the XC60 going into production in mid-April at Volvo’s Swedish plant, expect the SUV to arrive in UK showrooms soon after. The XC60 starts from £37,205 for the D4 Momentum model, while the range-topping diesel is the D5 PowerPulse Inscription Pro, which costs from £48,405.